As part of the International Day of Forests, the United Nations (UN) has designated this year's theme as Forests and FoodAs part of this initiative, we organized the 'Forest Foods for a Sustainable Future' panel.
The panel, held on March 27, 2025, at the General Directorate of Forestry Conference Hall, was organized in collaboration with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, and the General Directorate of Forestry. The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Abdulkadir Polat, FAO Türkiye Assistant Representative Ayşegül Selışık, and General Director of Forestry Bekir Karacabey.
In his opening speech, General Director of Forestry Bekir Karacabey emphasized that forests protect biodiversity, ecosystems, and food security and are highly valuable for human health, cultural heritage, and sustainable development.
Addressing the audience, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Abdulkadir Polat stated: "Forests and food security are the guarantees of our future. These two critical issues cannot be considered separately. Forests are among our most essential natural assets, supporting global food production and protecting our environment. Preserving them is not just a legacy for future generations but also one of the ways to ensure the well-being of all people living today."
In line with the "Forests and Food" theme, the panel highlighted the role of managed forests in sustainable food production and their importance as natural food sources. Additionally, discussions focused on the private sector's contributions to sustainable forest management, forest-based products, and responsible resource use, as well as the role of academia in research and innovation.